Filler for shoe-bottoms.



F. W. MERRICK.

FILLER FOR SHOE-BOTTOMS.

APPLlcATloN FILED Amma. 1914.

1,203,229. .Patented not. 31, 1916.

Znesses.- In vena 2^.'

FRANK W. MERRICK, 0F BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

FILLER FOR SHOE-BUTTONS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 31, 1916.

Application filed Apri128, 1,914. Serial No. 834,922.

To all whom 'it may concern Be it known that I, FRANK W. MERRICK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Boston, in the county of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Fillers for Shoe- Bottoms, of which the following is a specification, reference being had'therein to the accompanying drawings. 1

My invention consists in a novel and improved composition of matter more especially adapted for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes as a filler or filling in the space or hollow between the insole and the outsole of a shoe, but also applicable for use in various other connections.

The general objects of' thexinvention are mainly to provide a filler for shoe bottoms which shall be free from serious drawbacks and disadvantages of the shoe-bottom fillers at present in use, and which shall possess several important and desirable advantages. Among the said objects are to provide a filler material having, as prepared, the plasticity which is required in order to enable it to be spread out upon the insole of a shoe and caused to fill the required space and all inequalities. Also, one which shall become firm and dry with moderate rapidity. Also, one that n.shall possess flexibility and durability, and also waterproof qualities. Also, one which shall be free from liability to give way and become displaced as a result of becoming softened by warmth during use and by the pressure of the parts of the foot of the wearer. A really satisfactory shoe bottom filler possessing the desired characteristics has not been procurable in the market.

The drawing shows in longitudinal vertical section a shoe with a filler applied. The upper is marked. 1, 2 is an insole, 3 a welt and 4 an outsole. The projecting margins of the upper, insole and welt are secured together by the stitches of the inseam, and trimmed off close to the inseam. The filler 5 occupies the space or hollow inclosed by the closely-trimmed projecting margins, between the insole and the outsole.

My invention consists in a plastic composition comprising essentially a solution of pyroxylin, a suit-able base consisting preferably of groundcork, and asbestos ,fiber or other fibrous material. The solution of pyroxylin serves as a binder or cement and gives certain important properties orl qualities rendering the composition particularly useful as a ller for the bottoms of shoes as aforesaid. Other elastic material than cork may be employed as the base, as for instance finely divided wood, leather, paper-pulp, etc. The composition while still in a plastic state may be applied and spread readily Without the application of heat. It will fill perfectly the cavity'or recess at the surface of the insole of a shoe. It hardens in place with comparative promptness. It is highly adhesive.4 It remains very flexible. It is perfectly waterproof. The fibrous matter keeps thev layer of composition from altering its position under the pressure of the weight of the wearer of the shoe, transmitted by different portions of the underj side of his foot to the insole and through the latter to the sheet of filler. It thus remedies a serious defect or drawback that is 1ncident to bottom fillings composed of certain filler material at present extensively in use. The latter material manifests a tendency to soften up under the inuence of the warmth and pressure of the wearers foot, so that at those places where the pressure is greatest the filler is squeezed out horizont-ally in different directions. For instance, the pressure applied by the ball of the wearers foot causes any filler that is affected by moisture or heat to iiow forward under the toes of the foot, thereby producing discomfort. A filler made of my composition, not only is unaffected by moisture or heat, but has no tendency whatever to change its position or iiow as just explained under pressure.

The improved plastic adhesive composition of matter for use as a filler for shoe bottoms comprising an admixture of pyroxylin in solution, cork in a finely divided state, and sub-divided fibrous material.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK W. MERRICK.

. Witnesses:

ELLEN O. SPRING, CrIAs. F. RANDALL.

Aso 

